Gravestones

A New England Art Form

Ó 1992 D.
A. Jacobs

The Burying Point Cemetery in Salem Massachusetts

A tour guide pointing out graves near “The
Hanging Tree”

The Burying Point
Cemetery in Salem Massachusetts draws people by the thousands because of the
Salem witch trials. Many have no idea what they are looking at or why these
symbols were carved on these stones. On occasion I will overhear comments by
visitors and if they are worthy (friendly, curious, open minded and non
judgmental) I will explain the significance of the carvings on the stones and
enlighten them.To some it opens
up a whole new world and adds another level of insight and joy to their visit.
Some are amazed to find this is not limited to Salem and start a out on new
quest maybe in their own backyards, to findsuch carvings.